Kalen DeBoer addresses challenge of replacing Nick Saban

Kalen DeBoer was well aware that it would not be easy to replace Nick Saban when he accepted the head coaching job at Alabama.

However, DeBoer is confident in his ability as a coach and believes he has what it takes to keep the Crimson Tide program winning at an elite level.

DeBoer recently joined Stewart Mandel and Bruce Feldman on The Audible with Stew and Bruce and discussed the challenge of taking over for Nick Saban.

“There’s a lot of thoughts that go through my mind. … I think a lot of it is you just have to enjoy what you’re doing and the people you’re with. Then that leads to the perspective,” Kalen DeBoer said. “I guess what I would say is when every day you enjoy going to work. And the people you’re with, you trust and believe in them, it allows you to not have to put on this face. You’re still the leader of the crew and you provide the guidance and organization and helping the program really uphold the standard that you have set.”

DeBoer has relied on several people in the coaching community to help him, both throughout his coaching career, and now that he has taken the Alabama job.

He mentioned former Washington coach Chris Petersen and coaches of other sports at Alabama in particular as people he has relied on.

“When you have people, like a Chris Petersen, that you can really count on to give you that perspective. He was really a great example of someone who over the last two years, you could pick up the phone or I’d see him from time to time on campus. And just really kind of reel you back in,” DeBoer said.

“That goes on and on with the staff that you’re around and the other head coaches at the University. Having that network of people that you can really count on, both inside the walls and outside, your day-to-day routine.”

But again, it all comes back to confidence for Kalen DeBoer. He has won everywhere he has been, including taking Washington to the national championship game last season. He doesn’t expect Alabama to be any different.

“I think there’s also just the piece where knowing that the way you do things has been effective. It’s gotten the job done. And to trust that you don’t need to go prove something,” DeBoer said. “You’re just out to really make the place that you’re at the best it can be. And enjoy the moment and the growth and development, whether it be staff or players, everyone around you, just helping them become the best they can be.”